A longitudinal assessment of psychological adaptation during a winter-over in Antarctica
Abstract
The seasonal variations of psychological reactions in isolated and confined environments have been studied and theorized in terms of the third-quarter phenomenon; the third quarter of the isolation period is the moment when the most discomfort is reported by the winterers. Referring to Rivolier's comparative study, this article examines the manifestations of the third-quarter phenomenon by analyzing the data collected with an observation grid completed by the mission's doctor. The stress reactions of 27 winterers are observed during a 50-week period. The results show that the third-quarter phenomenon does not appear after the middle of the stay but more precisely after the middle of the isolation period. Changes in moods and personal reactions are reported but also in social and physical reactions. The results are discussed in terms of externalization of stress reactions and the influence of the data collection method emphasized.
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Prior theories about individual and team adaptation to living and working in an isolated and confined environment (ICE) have been derived from the experiences of individuals who winter-over in Antarctica or deploy for long durations in submarines.
“Prior theories about individual and team adaptation to living and working in an isolated and confined environment (ICE) have been derived from the experiences of individuals who winter-over in Antarctica or deploy for long durations in submarines.”
From Biobehavioral and psychosocial stress changes during three 8–12 month spaceflight analog missions with Mars-like conditions of isolation and confinement (2022) · cites this paper as Decamps and Rosnet, 2005
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- Authors
- Décamps, G., & Rosnet, E.
- Affiliations
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (FR)
- Sport Sciences Institute, University of Rheims, France
- Venue
- Environment and Behavior
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2005-05
- Volume
- 37
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 418-435
- ISSN
- 0013-9165 (ISSN-L)
- 1552-390X
- OpenAlex
- W2046766338
- Cited by
- 55
- References
- 32
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 0.40
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Environment and Behavior (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Spaceflight effects on biology
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Keywords
- psychological adjustment, isolation and confinement, stress reactions, mood changes, social behavior, physical reactions, longitudinal assessment, observation grid
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